CHRIS COLEMAN says Craig Bellamy could yet line up for Wales against Scotland next week - despite the Cardiff striker being omitted from the Welsh squad announced this morning.

Coleman has left two places open in his squad, which includes Celtic duo Joe Ledley and Adam Matthews and Aberdeen keeper Jason Brown, for the double header against Scotland and Croatia.

One of those could be taken by Bellamy and Coleman is expecting to hear from the 33-year-old about his availability on Sunday after Cardiff's trip to Ipswich in the npower Championship tomorrow.

Bellamy missed Wales' opening two Group A matches after suffering a calf injury while playing for his club but he has started Cardiff's last three matches and scored the opening goal in their 2-1 victory over Birmingham on Tuesday before being substituted later on.

Coleman said of the 70-cap striker: "Players like Craig don't come along all the time.

"We need to know from Craig whether he is staying with us or whether he isn't. If he is not, we have to move forward."

Without Bellamy, Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in their opening qualifier last month before being thrashed 6-1 in Serbia in their second outing.

Coleman also confirmed at today's press conference that Ashley Williams had replaced Aaron Ramsey as captain.

"We needed to make some changes," Coleman said.

"I spoke to Aaron yesterday about it, and he was incredibly mature. I was very impressed with him. It was a very professional reaction.

"Of course he is disappointed, but Aaron was great about it, he really was.

"Ashley will be the skipper. He is a natural leader. He has experience."